Richmond is set to regain a key trio for their Round 4 encounter with the Western Bulldogs as they look to return to the winner's list in 2023.
The Tigers did it tough against Collingwood on Friday night without Jacob Hopper (knee), Dustin Martin (soreness) and Jayden Short (calf), falling to the Magpies by 14 points in soggy conditions.
All three are expected to face the Bulldogs next week for what will be a major boost for coach Damien Hardwick, who will be seeking a second win for the year after recording a loss and a draw on either side of the Tigers' Round 2 triumph over Adelaide.
Both Martin and Hopper were seen to be a chance to play against the Magpies had the game been scheduled for Sunday, with the short turnaround ruling out either of the star duo partaking in Friday's scrappy affair against Collingwood.
Hardwick has confirmed both will return in Round 4, while Short is expected to play after ongoing issues with a calf complaint that was first sustained in the pre-season.
"I think Hopper, Dustin and Short will all play next week. [I'm feeling] confident in that," Hardwick told the media post-game.
Pertaining to any injuries sustained during Friday's contest, Hardwick reported the Tigers got through unscathed, boding well for more competition for playing spots.
"Yes, I think [we got through], which is a positive, so at least we'll get some boys that will bounce back and put some pressure on some spots, which is always good for a coach to have."
Richmond lost talented defender Nathan Broad to suspension ahead of this week's clash, opening up a further hole in Hardwick's plans.
The Tigers will be hoping veteran key defender Robbie Tarrant will get through half of a VFL game unscathed this weekend as he looks to prove his fitness following a hip injury, while Hardwick sang the praises of promising defender Tylar Young, who impressed in just his second AFL game.
"[Tarrant] will play a half tomorrow, which will be good, he's had a bit of an indifferent preseason, but he's an experienced campaigner, we've got some young guys down there, I think Tylar Young, again, was pretty good for mine, he held up his own, he's real strong defensively.
"He's got some areas he can grow in offensively, but, first and foremost, he's a key defender learning the craft of the game, so it's exciting for us.
Tarrant will play two quarters against Coburg on Saturday for the Tigers' reserves, his first minutes on the field after suffering the ailment in February.
Young defender Josh Gibcus remains close to a month away from returning from a serious hamstring strain suffered in the pre-season, with the list of casualties opening a chance for Young to make his debut against Adelaide last week.
Richmond will host the Western Bulldogs at the MCG next Saturday at 4:35pm (AEST).
